Victimology

A Specialized Criminal Justice Career

The study of victims is broad and multidisciplinary. It does not have to focus solely on the study of crime victims but can also examine victims of natural disasters, war crimes and abuses of power. However, the most widely chosen area within this specialization focuses on the study of crime victims.

A close examination of the victims can tell the law enforcement much about the perpetrator of the crime. By studying victims of crimes, examining every facet of their lifestyle, background, health and physical characteristics, law enforcement officers can start to develop a profile of the perpetrator of the crimes.

Victims play a critical role in the criminal scene, and their careful consideration and overview is just as critical as the crime scene itself, the weapons and eyewitnesses. A complete study of the victim will focus on the victims physical traits, marital status, personal lifestyle, occupation, education, medical history, criminal justice system history, family background as well as employment history. This list is in no way exhaustive and each examination of victims should start here and then become individualized to best research the victim at hand.

Victimology allows those investigating a crime to better understand the criminal and his/her level of risk taking. This is achieved by classifying victims into high, moderate and low risk categories.

Degree programs in this area focus on sociology, law and advocacy, criminal justice, psychology and statistical analysis. The goal of any degree program is to prepare students for a career in victim advocacy. Programs will include crisis intervention, study of victim rights and legal issues. If you decide to specialize in this area of criminal justice, be prepared to take courses such as introduction to criminal justice, introduction to human services, workplace and school violence, domestic violence, human rights, theories of counseling, ethics and the administration of justice, criminology, victimology and crisis management, family violence and victim assistance.

Those with a degree in this area of criminal justice can embark on a career focusing on helping law enforcement investigation and crime prevention. Common jobs include those in investigation, victim assistance, victim advocacy, case management, counseling, and profiling. There are numerous areas of specialization and a focus degree program will train you in dealing with different categories of victims, like the elderly, children or those targeted by hate crimes and racism.

Return from Victimology to Criminal Justice Degree Online